Seven Years On: DRM on Readiness After Dorian

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas sits on what has become widely known as the Atlantic hurricane belt, from tropical storms to major hurricanes, so we’re no stranger to mother nature’s fury.

Seven years ago, monster storm Dorian crashed onto the shores of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

The category 5 storm had winds of nearly 185 miles per hour, making it the most destructive storm in recent memory.

With today marking the 7th anniversary, the Disaster Risk Management Authority is reflecting on how it’s shaped the response to natural disasters.

DRM Authority Aarone Sargent says they’re applying what they’ve learned to current-day response.

Aarone Sargent – Managing Director, DRM Authority

“As we are on the anniversary of Hurricane Dorian, one of the lessons learned is ready and continuous capacity billing exercises. As the minister alluded to, preparation is key…”

Minister of State McKell Bonaby also weighed in, pointing to progress on the ground.

McKell Bonaby – Minister of State, OPM

“Well, I think the conditions are a lot better. The island is bouncing back, the economies are a lot stronger. But as it relates to what we’re doing at the DRM, we are conducting workshops to make sure that the team’s on the ground are ready to respond in the event that there is a natural disaster…”

Adding to that point, Sargent says growth is key.